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ORIGIN

This 1985 Renault R5 Turbo 2 is #117 of 200 Evolution models built for homologation purposes to qualify the R5 Maxi Turbo rally car for WRC Group B racing. This example was imported by Sun International and remained with the same family for 30 years. Modifications include period Pierre Ferry performance parts sourced from France and installed by Sun International, as well as a Maxi rally-style front end with multiple Cibie driving lights. Now showing just 29k kilometers (18k miles), the car was stored in a climate controlled garage for over 20 years until the current owner purchased it in 2015. After consulting with the previous owner and R5 experts, the current owner had a thorough mechanical refresh performed in 2016 at a cost of more that $20k as detailed below. Extensive documentation showing service history and modifications is included, and the car is now being offered by the selling dealer on behalf of the current owner with a clean Oregon title.

Known as an 8221 chassis Turbo 2, the Evolution R5 came equipped with an aluminum roof, and the displacement of the turbocharged inline-four was increased to 1,432cc.

A factory-supplied Maxi front end with six Cibie Super Oscar driving lamps was installed in 1993. The front end is made of Kevlar and was delivered unfinished before being painted to match the color scheme. The rest of the red paint and grey body cladding reportedly show no evidence of any paintwork or accident damage.

The box-flared body panels are shown up close in the gallery below, and the original rear deck lid has never been drilled for a license plate. Staggered 15″ three-piece Gotti alloys wear new 195/60 Dunlop Direzza DZ-102 tires up front, and 26/61 Michelin TB-15 classic rally tires in the rear. The tire mismatch is due to limited options in this size.

Inside, the tan upholstery and carpets provide a nice contrast against the black dash, center console, and armrests. The previous owner added a set of three VDO gauges in the center console that show exhaust temperature, oil temperature, and voltage. A switch next to the gauges manually operates a second fan in the radiator, and three orange switches on the radio delete plate operate the extra driving lights up front.

The stock boost gauge was replaced with a VDO BAR gauge, though the rest of the Jaeger gauges are still in place and function properly. The 29,018 kilometers (18,031 miles) indicated on the odometer are deemed accurate by the owner and seller.

The turbocharged 1,432cc inline-four is mated to a 5-speed manual transaxle. The engine was upgraded by the previous owner with Pierre Ferry performance parts sourced from France and installed by Sun International. Modifications include a ported and polished head with stainless cylinder liners, increased fuel delivery with larger injectors, a highly modified Bosch K-Jetronic fuel regulator and fuel distribution manifold, a modified cam with more lift, a larger intercooler, larger radiator with second fan, and a modified mechanical spark advance.

Records show the current owner spent a considerable amount to recommission the car, including a mechanical refresh completed in October 2016 that totaled over $20k. Work was performed by DynaSport in Portland, Oregon and included the following:

A large collection of undercarriage photos are featured in the image gallery below.

The data plate confirms the 8221 chassis designation, serial number 117, and the build date of 1985. An included binder containing records, notes, and email transcripts document ownership and service history from new.